Exercising device

ABSTRACT

An exercising device includes at least one actuating grip adapted to be actuated by a user for exercise, and a counteracting force generating member configured to act upon the actuating grip with a counteracting force. The actuating grip and the counteracting force generating member are connected relative to each other through a tensing member and a power ratio varying member. The power ratio varying member is a drive wheel unit which includes at least two disc-shaped wheels that have different diameters, that are coaxially coupled to each other, and that are non-rotatable relative to each other. A coupling unit is disposed to permit the tensing member to engage a selected one of the two disc-shaped wheels.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority of German Utility Model No.20211491.0, filed on Jul. 12, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to an exercising device which includes atleast one actuating grip adapted to be actuated by a user for exercise,and a counteracting force generating member configured to act upon theactuating grip with a counteracting force. Particularly, the actuatinggrip and the counteracting. force generating. member are connectedrelative to each other through a tensing member and a power ratiovarying member.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Exercising devices are now being set up in housing areas inaddition to professional fitness centers. Such kinds of exercisingdevices are particularly used to build and to strengthen differentgroups of body muscles. Usually, there is a suitable actuating grip inan exercising device, e.g. a pull rod of an exercising device, to whichthe user applies his/her operating force to work out the muscles ofhis/her back by attempting to move them against a resisting force.Overcoming of the resisting force gives rise to an actual effect ofphysical training. The resisting force is attributed to a counteractingforce generating member. Conventionally, the counteracting forcegenerating member is exemplified through weights, since, by means of theweights, a counteracting force can be brought about independently of thechange in speed and position. In order to accommodate the needs ofdifferent users and the training of different groups of muscles, acomparatively large number of weights is required so as to have asufficiently wide range of adjustments for the resisting forces. In caseof the exercising device for household use, this gives rise to a gravedisadvantage, because a multiplicity of weights is barely practical notonly on the aspect of the expenditure for procurement, but also on theaspect of the costs for transport and storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of this invention to provide an exercising deviceas mentioned above, which renders possible a wider range of adjustmentfor resisting forces.

[0007] In accordance with this invention, the exercising device includesat least one movable actuating grip adapted to be actuated by a user forexercise, and a counteracting force generating member configured to actupon the actuating grip with a counteracting force. The actuating gripand the counteracting force generating member are connected relative toeach other through a tensing member and a power ratio varying member.The power ratio varying member is a drive wheel unit which includes atleast two disc-shaped wheels that have different diameters, that arecoaxially coupled to each other, and. that are non-rotatable relative toeach other. A coupling unit is further disposed to permit the tensingmember to engage a selected one of the disc-shaped wheels.

[0008] Some technical terms as used herein are briefly explained asfollows:

[0009] The term, “drive wheel unit” is directed to a device in which afirst rotation movement at an input side thereof is converted into asecond rotation movement at an output side thereof The proportionalratio of rotation movements at the input and output sides determines theconversion ratio of the drive wheel unit.

[0010] The term, “counteracting force generating member” is directed toa member which impresses on movement of. another element, such as anactuating grip, a force which counteracts the movement of the element.This force can be constant or dependent on the distance covered by, orspeed of, the movement of the actuating grip. The counteracting force,albeit unnecessary, can assume a value of zero, when the actuating gripis not moved. In the event of not assuming the value of zero, thecounteracting force will press the actuating grip against a strikingforce which is provided therefor.

[0011] The term, “tensing member” means elements which are suitable fortransmission of mechanical pulling forces. They can be ropes, forexample, belts, chains or the like.

[0012] The term, “coupling unit” is directed to a unit which includestwo components detachably connected to each other. In a locked position,the components are frictionally connected to each other, or form-lockedto each other.

[0013] In this invention, the tensing member runs over the drive wheelunit for force transmission. The drive wheel unit includes at least twodisc-shaped wheels that are coaxially coupled to each other, and thatare non-rotatable relative to each other. Since the disc-shaped wheelshave different diameters, the proportional ratio of the diameters thusdetermines the conversion ratio of the drive wheel unit. A coupling unitis provided to couple the tensing member to the disc-shaped wheels ofthe drive wheel unit. The tensing member can be coupled to a selectedone of the disc-shaped wheels through the coupling unit. Due to theprovision of the coupling unit, the tensing member can be desirablycoupled to the selected one of the disc-shaped wheels to thereby obtaindifferent conversion ratios. For example, in the event that the tensingmember coming from the actuating grip is coupled to the disc-shapedwheel of a smaller diameter, and that the tensing member running towardsthe counteracting force generating member is coupled to the disc-shapedwheel of a larger diameter, a force-diminishing ratio is obtained basedon the actuating force, the strength of which is determined by theproportional ratio of the two diameters. Accordingly, when the couplingis made the other way around, a force-increasing ratio is obtained. Notethat, with two disc-shaped wheels, two different proportional ratios canbe obtained. Thus, when a larger number of disc-shaped wheels isprovided, a larger number of proportional ratios can be achieved. Forexample, in case of three disc-shaped wheels with different diameters,there are six different proportional ratios available. In this manner,even in the event that a counteracting force generating member byitself, offers merely a few possibilities of adjustment, a finegradation of counteracting forces which act respectively on theactuating grip, will be available. Such a manner is particularlyadvantageous in a counteracting force generating member which consistsof weights, and which requires only smaller and not so heavy weights. Itis however, intended in the present invention to encompass a greaterrange of forces so as to reach the extreme end of great force on the onehand, while on the other hand, to render a fine gradation of the lowerregion of smaller forces possible.

[0014] Preferably, the coupling unit is configured to be quickreleasable. Such a configuration is advantageous when the exchange ofthe disc-shaped wheels which are respectively coupled to the tensingmembers through the coupling units, is to be carried out in a simple andrushed manner. With this configuration, the proportional ratio can beeasily and conveniently adapted to meet the respective demand.

[0015] Preferably, the coupling unit is configured to be form locking.Such a configuration permits a particularly simple and secure fasteningof the tensing member to the respective disc-shaped wheel. Theform-locking configuration renders possible a particularly quick andsecure coupling of the tensing member to: the disc-shaped wheel.

[0016] Accordingly, the coupling unit is configured such that, a plug isdisposed on one end of the tensing member, and a undercut cavity, whichis formed in the circumferential area of the disc-shaped wheel, isaccessible externally through a transverse channel. The transversechannel is a channel which is disposed transverse to the pullingdirection of the tensing member, i.e., preferably extending in the axialdirection. Such a configuration renders possible simple disengagement ofthe tensing member from the disc-shaped wheel of the drive wheel unit.The tensing member is. pushed into the undercut cavity of thedisc-shaped wheel laterally through the transverse channel by means ofthe plug disposed at the end thereof. Due to the provision of theundercut cavity, the plug can only be removed from the cavity throughthe transverse channel. In other words, it can not be pulled out of thecavity with the radial pulling forces in the tensing member. As a resultof the provision of the coupling unit, aside from ensuring securecoupling of the tensing. member to the disc-shaped wheel, a greaterforce of pulling is also achieved. While the plug is, preferablyconfigured to be cylindrical, it can also assume other forms, e.g.ball-shaped. A cylindrical shape is advantageous in that the stress ofthe material due co surface pressing is comparatively small.

[0017] Preferably the cavity includes an entry region which iscommunicated with the transverse channel, and a securing region which iscommunicated with the entry region in a circumferential direction, andwhich is configured to accommodate the plug. Such a configurationrenders possible sidewise insertion of the plug of the coupling unitinto the entry region of the cavity and subsequent shifting into theclose-ended securing region through the transverse channel. Due to. thisconfiguration, the plug which is subject to load, is moved out from theentry region and into the securing region so as to be guarded againstslipping out of the cavity. With such provision, the coupling unit couldalso be guarded against unintentional loosening when subjected tosidewise pulling forces. Loosening of the coupling unit is only possiblein an unloaded state. At that moment, the plug is moved out from thesecuring region into the entry region where the plug can be finallyremoved therefrom through the transverse channel.

[0018] Preferably, the disc-shaped wheels are configured to be alienablein sequence. With such a configuration, the number of the availableproportional ratios can be increased with the inclusion of additionaldisc-shaped wheels so that the applicable range of the drive wheel unitcan be broadened. As a result, the drive wheel unit can accommodate suchan exercise that requires in the lower region of smaller forces quite anumber of particularly fine gradations.

[0019] Preferably, the drive wheel unit includes three disc-shapedwheels. With such provision, there could be up to six differentproportional ratios while obtaining a compact structure of the drivewheel unit.

[0020] Preferably, the disc-shaped wheels, especially the outer wheels,are configured to be exchangeable with one another. The exchangeabilityof the wheels renders possible a feasible application of a singledisc-shaped wheel of the drive wheel unit, thereby sparing the costs ofproduction and storage.

[0021] Preferably, the disc-shaped wheels are configured to benoncircular, especially ellipsoid. With such provision, the ratio givenrise to by the drive wheel unit can vary according to the angularposition of the disc-shaped wheel. As a result, the strength of thecounteracting force acting upon the actuating grip. is dependent uponthe wheel position. This configuration has an advantage in that thestroke of the resultant counteracting force can be regulated by takinginto consideration a biophysiological factor, particularly, ananatomical factor. For example, when body joints are. not sufficientlystretched in the initial period of the exercising movement, acomparatively small force is applied thereto so as to treat the jointsmore gently, whereas in the progressing period of movement of theactuating grip, more counteracting forces can be exerted on thecomparatively unloaded joints. Understandably, the diameter of the wheelis preferably selected such that the ellipsoid wheel is only rotatedover the actuating route of the actuating grip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent in the following detailed description of the preferredembodiment of the invention, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

[0023]FIG. 1 is a partly exploded perspective view of an exercisingdevice according to a preferred embodiment of this invention;

[0024]FIG. 2 is a perspective view to illustrate a tensing member of adrive wheel unit of the preferred embodiment;

[0025]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a drive wheel unit ofthe preferred embodiment; and

[0026]FIG. 4 is an enlarged and detailed view of a disc-shaped wheelwhich is provided with a coupling unit according to this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the preferred embodiment of anexercising device according to this invention is shown to comprise aframe 1 and an actuating grip 2 and a counteracting force generatingdevice 3 which are coupled to each other through a tensing member 5. Thetensing member 5 is trained on a drive wheel unit. 4.

[0028] The frame 1 of the exercising device includes a base 12 disposedon the lower end thereof, and an overhanging beam 13 disposed on theupper end thereof. The frame 1 divides the exercising device into animaginary side for the user, and an imaginary side for the technicalcomponents, specifically, the counteracting force generating member 3and the drive wheel unit 4. At the user side, a bench 14 is disposed onthe base 12 for the user. The bench 14 is disposed such that a user whois seated thereon adjusts himself in a position suitable for graspingthe actuating grip 2 to perform the respective exercise. At thetechnical component side, the counteracting force generating member 3 isdisposed on the base 12. Over the counteracting force generating member3, is disposed the drive wheel unit 4 which is hung on the overhangingbeam 13 at the technical component side.

[0029] The actuating. grip 2 includes many parts. Preferably, itincludes a hand portion and a foot portion, for example, a foot hold forleg stretching exercise.

[0030] The hand portion illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a swinging handle20 and pull rods 23, 24. The swinging handle 20 is movably mounted tothe overhanging beam 13 through a swinging hinge 21, and is providedwith grips 22. The grips 22 as illustrated,, are solely fordemonstration. The swinging handle 20 maybe attached to other elementsfor actuation by the user. One end of the tensing member 5 is disposedon an end of the swinging handle 20 which is distal from the grips 22.The other end of the tensing member 5 is secured to the counteractingforce generating member 3. The counteracting force generating member 3is exemplified as a stack of weights 31, which are disposed on a guidingmember 32 and which are movable vertically.

[0031] The tensing member 5 is divided into two segments 51, 52 by thedrive wheel unit 4. The segment 51 is at the user side and the segment52 is at the technical component side.

[0032] The exact dispositions of the segments 51 and 52 of the tensingmember 5 on the drive wheel unit 4 as well as their arrangements areillustrated in detail in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 3. At first, the structureof drive wheel unit 4 is described. The drive wheel unit 4 isexemplified to consist of three disc-shaped wheels 41,42,43. They aredisposed on a common shaft 44, which extends into the middle one of thewheels 41,42,43 through a corresponding. opening. The disc-shaped wheels41,42,43 are coupled to, and are non-rotatable relative to each other byvirtue of, in total, three screw bolts 45 which are respectively led topass through three corresponding through bores in the disc-shaped wheels41,42,43. The segments 51, 52 of the tensing member 5 are respectivelycoupled to the disc-shaped wheels 41,42 through the coupling unit 6. Inthis connection, the segment 51 which comes from the actuating grip 2 iscoupled to the disc-shaped wheel 41 which is of a smaller diameter (d)The segment 52 led towards the counteracting force generating member 3is coupled to the disc-shaped wheel 42 which is of a diameter (D) thatis larger than the diameter (d) The proportional. ratio of the diametersD: d determines the. magnitude of the power ratio of the drive wheelunit 4. For example, it runs up to 2:1, 1:1 or 1:2 depending on whichone of the segments 51, 52 the disc-shaped wheels 41,42,43 are coupledto.

[0033] The structure of the coupling unit 6 which is illustrated indetail in FIG. 4, is demonstrated as an exemplary embodiment of thecoupling unit 6 to be provided between the disc-shaped wheel 41 and thesegment 51. The segment 51 includes a cylindrical plug 61 at one end.The cylindrical plug 61 portrays the portion of the coupling unit 6 atthe side of the tensing member 5. The portion of the coupling unit 6 atthe side of the disc-shaped wheel 41 takes the form of a receivingcavity 62 which is formed as an undercut opening in the circumferentialarea. The receiving cavity has an entry region 64, and a securing region65 which is adjacent to the entry region 64 in a circumferentialdirection. In both regions 64,65, the receiving cavity 62 is of adimension such that the plug 61 at the end of the segment 51 can bereceived therein. The securing region 65 is sidewise, i.e. closed in theaxial direction. The securing region 65 is disposed to be communicatedwith the circumferential region merely through a slit of such adimension as to permit the passage of the tensing member 5, but as notto admit there into the plug 61. The entry region 64, on the contrary,is laterally open. In other words, it is accessible to the outsidethrough a transverse channel 63. The plug 61 at the end of the segment51 can be led through the transverse channel 63 in the axial directionfrom the outside into the entry region 64 of the receiving cavity 62.Through the tensile stress in the tangential direction, the plug 61 isthen moved from the entry region 64 into the securing region 65 wherethe plug 61 is guarded against slip-off in sidewise directions becausethe securing region .65 is closed laterally. As a consequence, thecoupling unit 6 is automatically secured, as soon as the draw on thesegment 51 of the tensing member S is carried out. Therefore, asimultaneous quick and secure coupling of the tensing member 5 to thedrive wheel unit 4 is accomplished. Likewise, it is also applicable tothe segment 52 of the tensing member 5. In this connection, the entryregion 64 and the securing region 65 of the receiving cavity 62 whichare at the opposite pulling direction of the segment 52, arecorrespondingly exchanged in the circumferential direction.

[0034] The disc-shaped wheels 41,42,43 can be made of metal or asynthetic material which is able to provide adequate resistance.Preferably, the disc-shaped wheels 41,42,43 are of dimensions such thatthey can withstand at least a quadruple overload when subjected to astatic load by virtue of the counteracting force generating member 3.

[0035] The drive wheel unit 4 can be expanded in a simple manner, inwhich additional disc-shaped wheels may be further incorporated. Theconstruction according to this invention renders possible thearrangement of as many disc-shaped wheels as desired in sequence. Assuch, a desirable great multitude of proportional ratios is readilyavailable.

[0036] While the present invention has been described in connection withwhat is considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it isunderstood that this invention is not limited to the disclosedembodiment but is intended to cover various arrangements included withinthe spirit and scope of the broadest interpretations and equivalentarrangements.

I claim:
 1. An exercising device comprising: at least one movableactuating grip adapted to be actuated by a user for exercise, acounteracting force generating member configured to act upon saidactuating grip with a counteracting. force, and a tensing member and apower ratio varying member that connect said actuating grip and saidcounteracting force generating member relative to each other, whereinsaid power ratio varying member. is a drive wheel unit which includes atleast two disc-shaped wheels that have different diameters, that arecoaxially coupled to each other, and that are non-rotatable relative toeach other, said exercising device further comprising, a coupling unitdisposed to permit said tensing member to engage a selected one of saiddisc-shaped wheels.
 2. An exercising device according to claim 1,wherein said coupling unit is configured so as to be quick-releasable.3. An exercising device according to claim 2, wherein said coupling unitis form-locking.
 4. An exercising device according to claim 3, whereinsaid coupling unit includes a plug disposed on one end of said tensingmember, and an undercut cavity which is disposed in a circumferentialside of said selected one of said disc-shaped wheels, and a transversechannel which permits external access to said undercut cavity.
 5. Anexercising device according to claim 4, wherein said plug iscylindrical.
 6. An exercising device according to claim 4, wherein saidcavity has an entry region which is communicated with said transversechannel, and a securing region which is closed at one side thereof, andwhich is communicated with said entry region in a circumferentialdirection.
 7. An exercising device according to claim 1, wherein saiddrive wheel unit is configured such that said disc-shaped wheels arealignable in sequence.
 8. An exercising device according to claim 1,wherein said drive wheel unit includes three disc-shaped wheels.
 9. Anexercising device according to claim 8, wherein said disc-shaped wheelsare exchangeable with one another.
 10. An exercising device according toclaim 9, wherein two outer ones of said disc-shaped wheels areexchangeable with each other.
 11. An exercising device according toclaim 8, wherein each of said disc-shaped wheels is noncircular.
 12. Anexercising device according to claim 11, wherein each of saiddisc-shaped wheels is ellipsoid.